Some of the Most Underrated Instruments and Their Hidden Brilliance

When people think of musical instruments, they often picture pianos, guitars, and violins. Yet, some instruments don't get the spotlight they deserve despite their rich history and unique sounds. Today, let's explore the dulcimer, euphonium, viola, and accordion—each a hidden gem with fascinating origins and contributions to the world of music.

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Dulcimer

Dulcimer is a stringed instrument where strings are beaten with hammers, not plucked.

Origin & History:The dulcimer traces its origins back to the ancient Middle East, where early versions like the Persian santur were developed. By the 18th century, it made its way to Europe and later to the United States, evolving into the Appalachian (mountain) dulcimer we know today. The name "dulcimer" combines the Latin dulcis (sweet) and the Greek melos (song), referring to its gentle, melodic sound.

An Appalachian dulcimer is traditionally constructed of wood and recently adapted guitar aesthetics. Musicians play dulcimers from their laps, allowing them to perform techniques including plucking and bowing to produce different sounds. The range of a mountain dulcimer makes it suitable to play for a variety range of styles, including folk, classical, jazz, blues, and even rock and roll.

Scarborough fair played on a mountain dulcimer

Ancient Stones on a hammered dulcimer

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Euphonium

The euphonium is a brass wind instrument with valves. It was said to be invented in 1843 by Ferdinand Sommer in Germany as a “wide-bore, valved bugle of baritone range”. It evolved from earlier brass instruments like the ophicleide and the serpent. Its name is derived from the Greek word euphōnos, meaning beautiful sound.

The euphonium is often described as the "cello of the brass family" due to its warm, mellow tone. While not as well-known as the trumpet or trombone, the euphonium plays a crucial role in ensembles and orchestras. Its extremely wide and versatile range makes it central to the British brass band, concert bands, military bands, and even orchestras, where it stands as the backbone of the bands.

The euphonium occupies a unique position in the brass section. With a range similar to the trombone but a warmer tone, it often plays both melodic and harmonic roles. It is known for its expressive capabilities, able to produce lyrical lines that rival those of woodwinds or strings. In brass bands, the euphonium often takes on a soloistic role, providing soaring melodies and intricate countermelodies. In concert bands and orchestras, it adds depth and warmth to the ensemble’s sound, filling the space between higher brass (like trumpets) and lower brass (like tubas).

Cafe 1930- Euphonium & piano duo

Grandfather’s clock-Euphonium solo

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Viola

Despite its central role in orchestral and chamber music, the viola has often been overshadowed by the violin. Unlike the violin, the viola's deeper, richer tone gives it a unique voice in the orchestra. It provides harmonic support and often bridges the melody and bass lines.

The viola emerged during the 16th century in Italy, developing alongside the violin, cello, and double bass. Early violas varied significantly in size and tuning until they settled into the modern form by the 18th century. The word viola comes from the Italian term for a family of stringed instruments, reflecting its central place in classical music.

Unlike the violin, which often plays the melody, the viola traditionally provides harmonic support and inner voices in ensemble music. This role led to its reputation as the unsung hero of the string section, quietly enriching the overall sound.

The viola is slightly larger than a violin and is tuned a perfect fifth lower (C-G-D-A). This lower pitch gives it a deeper, warmer sound, often described as melancholic or velvety. In an orchestra, it bridges the gap between the higher-pitched violins and the deeper cellos and basses, providing essential harmonic support.

Key Differences from the Violin:

• Size and Tone: The viola is larger, resulting in a richer, more mellow sound.

• Range: The viola’s range extends lower, offering a unique timbre perfect for introspective and soulful passages.

• Role: While the violin often takes the spotlight, the viola creates the harmonic foundation and enriches the texture.

  
  

G. P. Telemann: Concerto in G major for Viola, Strings and Basso continuo, TWV 51:G9 performed by Tomoe Badiarova (viola solo)

Mikahail Glinka-Viola Sonata in D Minor performed by Violist Paul Silverthorne and Pianist Aglaia Tarantino

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Accordion

The accordion was invented in the early 19th century in Vienna by Cyrill Demian, though similar instruments existed in China (sheng) for centuries. It spread rapidly across Europe and later became a staple in folk, classical, and popular music worldwide. The accordion’s portability and ability to produce both melody and harmony made it popular among traveling musicians. It became central to various folk traditions, from French musette to Argentine tango, and even influenced pop and rock music.

The accordion's story began in early 19th-century Vienna when Cyrill Demian, an Armenian inventor, patented the first accordion in 1829. However, its roots trace back further to the ancient Chinese sheng, a free-reed instrument from which the accordion draws inspiration. The accordion quickly spread across Europe, adapting to different musical traditions. In France, it became central to musette music, while in Italy, it accompanied folk dances. Immigrants brought the accordion to the Americas, where it became integral to genres like tango in Argentina and Tex-Mex in the United States.

The accordion is a free-reed aerophone, producing sound as air flows over metal reeds. It typically consists of:

• Bellows: The expandable, pleated part that pushes air through the reeds.

• Keys or Buttons: Played with both hands, they control pitch and chords.

• Reeds: Thin metal strips inside that vibrate to produce sound when air passes through.

Players compress and expand the bellows while pressing keys or buttons, creating a rich, multi-layered sound that can be both melodic and harmonic.

Vivaldi-Winter by Gevorg Gasparyan on an accordion

Vivaldi-Four Seasons: Summer 1/3 by Alexandr Hrustevich on an accordion